A preliminary stratigraphic assessment of the ~5 Ma ‘Riedstadt-Erfelden’ research borehole

• Applicants: Dr. Stephanie Scheidt; Dr. Christian Zeeden
• Subject Area: Geology ; Physical Geography
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 525002460

The Pliocene – Pleistocene transition (~ 3.6 – 2.0 Ma) marks a period of prolonged cooling of the Earth’s atmosphere that is similar to the predicted long-term changes in our current global climate. To understand the direction and magnitude of present-day climate changes, we need to understand the Plio-Pleistocene environments and climate dynamics on global and regional scales. The ~280 m-long ‘Riedstadt Erfelden’ core is likely a high-resolution geoarchives of past climate dynamics. However, so far, the chronostratigraphic framework is based only on lithostratigraphic assignments. This proposal aims for an initial paleomagnetic and cyclostratigraphic assessments of the ‘Riedstadt Erfelden’ core. The resulting better chronostratigraphic understanding will not only allow to draw conclusions on the completeness of the geological record, but will also enable comparisons to the cores investigated through the Heidelberg Drilling Project (HeidelbergNord 1, HeidelbergNord2, Ludwigshafen P36, and Viernheim). Thereby, we will be able to verify the expected high value of the ‘Riedstadt Erfelden’ core as geoarchive for past climate dynamics, which will be subject of investigation in a follow-up proposal.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants